Region 6 girls basketball figures to be dogfight

Bishop Ryan has been the talk of Class B girls basketball in recent years.

And with good reason.

The Lions have won three of the last four state titles. An upset at the hands of Velva last season in the semifinals of the Region 6 tournament prevented Ryan from making a run at a fourth state title.

And while the Lions are a year removed from a dynasty that saw them string together 82 consecutive Class B victories, Ryan is hoping the 2016-17 season is just as magical.

The Lions have 12 players back from a season ago, including six seniors. That will give the Lions an edge in experience against almost every opponent they will face this season.

Despite an advantage in depth and experience, the Lions still have to get it done on the basketball court.

As I see it, there are three teams that could be in the mix with Ryan for the Region 6 championship.

The Rugby Panthers, the defending region champion, lost their best player, Shea Heidlebaugh to graduation.

But with the return of Breanna Thompson and Madison Uhlenkamp, the Panthers figure to be tough to score against, especially in the post.

Along with Rugby, I also expect Velva to be at the top of District 11 at season’s end. The Aggies’ Jonnah Lee almost single-handedly ended Ryan’s dominance around the state.